Thursday, September 4, 2008

Malunggay Miracle




Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) is one of the recently becoming famous "miracle vegetable" of the Philippines. The once left-out tree that grew anywhere where there is soil, was researched by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and was found out to be loaded with nutrients and antioxidants. The Philippine Information Agency stated that Malunggay leaves contain

  • "7 times the vitamin C of orange"
  • "4 times the vitamin A of carrots"
  • "4 times the calcium of milk"
  • "3 times the potassium of bananas"
  • "2 times the protein of yogurt"


  • No wonder, pregnant and lactating Filipino women were told by their grandmothers to eat malunggay as often as possible. You can see Cris' blog about the ways on how to use malunggay and my favorite is "how to make malunggay powder". Moringa powder can be used as seasoning to any dish you prefer. Interestingly enough, there are ongoing businesses from the leaves of this humble tree. Visit inquirer.net or biotech for details.

    As for the taste-value of this vegetable.. I say it's much like spinach.. Compared to the nutritional benefits of ampalaya (bittermelon), I say malunggay can be comparable, and even tastes better than bittermelon. :P

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